Beyond the Track: Retraining the Thoroughbred from Racecourse to Riding Horse

Morgan Ford and HeintzbergerForward by Kanre O'Connor

Renowned for their amazing athleticism and unparalleled work ethic, and famed for their "great heart" and willingness to go the extra mile, off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) have proven to be the ultimate equine partner in a host of disciplines: dressage, eventing, hunter/jumpers, trail riding-even barrel racing! Now discover all you need to know to find the right OTTB and give him the solid educational foundation he needs to excel in a new career, whether as a highly trained competitor, pleasure mount, or companion animal.

252 pages, 10 x 8 (Paperback)

Item #: BK804

"Beyond the Track by Anna Ford is breakthrough racehorse literature, concisely covering every facet of what to expect and how to get the most out of your off-the-track Thoroughbred (OTTB), both mentally and physically. The book could also be called 'OTTB Training for Dummies' or 'OTTB Training A-Z.' I consider this book the ultimate in training manuals for anyone thinking about adopting an ex-racehorse. Anna Ford is uniquely qualified to be the author of this book, which reads easily and covers every important detail of transitioning a horse from the racetrack to his next career."-Liz Harris, Executive Director, Thoroughbred Charities of America

"I'm a strong supporter of finding good homes for Thoroughbreds once they retire from the racetrack. I think it is great that Anna Ford has put together a book to help assist in the training process. These horses are great athletes and definitely can go on to be successful in new careers with the proper guidance and training. I believe Anna is a special person-through her work and dedication she has made it possible for these Thoroughbreds to have a second chance at life."-Nick Zito, Thoroughbred Trainer, National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Inductee

"A great book where very loving, caring people teach others how to share love with a horse, give him new opportunities, and bring out the best in both horse and rider. It is necessary to learn to handle Thoroughbreds the right way, and the author does a great job explaining detail."-Edgar Prado, Jockey, Winner of over 6,000 Races and the 2006 Eclipse Award, and 2008 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Nominee

ANNA MORGAN FORD grew up deeply immersed in racing and showing horses. For the past seven years she has been the Program Director for New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program (www.horseadoption.com). During that time she has overseen the training and adoption of over 1000 retired racehorses. She lives in Hilliard, Ohio. A member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists, AMBER HEINTZBERGER is a freelance writer and photographer specializing in equestrian subjects (www.amberwriter.com). A lifelong horsewoman, she has competed in eventing, dressage, and hunter/jumpers and has retrained several off-the-track Thoroughbreds. Heintzberger lives in New York City.

*A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book goes to support the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program.